Eight Top Tips For Purchasing a Chandelier

Chandeliers have been around for hundreds of years. From the antler chandeliers that no doubt graced the halls of early kings, to the medieval crosses that bore flickering candles, to the extravagant crystal chandeliers of the 18th and 19th centuries, the chandelier concept is a timeless one. They are one of those elements within the home where a person can get away with a little more extravagance than usual.

When buying a chandelier you must consider some important points that could lead to problems if you do not tackle them at the planning stage.

1. What size is the object the chandelier will be hung over, what is the purpose of that object, and what problems could the chandelier and the object cause in that placement? For example if the intended placement of the chandelier is over a table, will there be enough height above the table for everything to function properly. Ensure the chandelier at least two and a half feet clearance for an eight foot ceiling. The higher the ceiling the greater the amount of clearance should be. Factor in the glare of the bulbs when deciding on chandelier placement.

2. How easy is the chandelier to clean? Remember you're going to have to dust it.

3. How high is the ceiling in the location you intend to place the chandelier and are there any foreseeable problems given the height of the chandelier?

4. How big is the room in comparison to the size of the chandelier? Will the chandelier be dwarfed by the room or will the lighting be too much, too big, or too extravagant for this location? The single largest mistake made when purchasing a chandelier is buying one that

5. Your chandelier does not have to light the whole room. Implement other forms of lighting that can take the slack from the chandelier, so that you have functional lighting and can let the chandelier be what it was made for – looking fantastic and providing a suitably enchanting atmosphere.

6. Think about the design of the chandelier you are intending to place in a room. Does the design fit in with the theme of the room. For example, surrounding that have a very modern minimalist design ethic are not going to suit a very extravagant chandelier design.

7. Ensure the metals that constitute the chandelier fit in with those already in the room. For example if you antique brass elements in your room then a shiny copper light will not necessarily suit the same way it would if all the metal elements were in harmony.

8. Find out if you can take back the light to the store if it does not suit. Being able to do so could save you a lot of money if it turns out there is a problem. Also find out if it requires any special bulbs, how much they cost, and how easy they are to get a hold of. You do not want an expensive piece of lighting that will not work because you can not find bulbs that fit it.

If you consider these suggestions than shopping for your chandelier will not seem so daunting, and you'll be able to avoid potential problems before they arise. It will not be long before you find the perfect chandelier, and have a stunning piece of lighting in your home.